Author: Jonah Valdez

USA

Tracy Paschke-Johannes, a resident of Springfield, Ohio, watched the presidential debate with anticipation, hoping former President Donald Trump wouldn’t repeat false claims about Haitian immigrants in her community. Unfortunately, within minutes, Trump made derogatory remarks about immigrants, specifically Haitians in Springfield. This sparked concerns among experts and advocates who fear the impact of such hateful rhetoric on immigrant communities. Willie Mack, a professor at the University of Missouri, highlighted the historical fear and discrimination against Black immigrants, especially from Haiti, dating back to the early 1800s. The narrative of Haiti as a “Black Republic” has long been used to justify…

Read More
USA

Tragic Killing of American Activist in the West Bank Raises Concerns Israeli soldiers fatally shot American activist Aysenur Ezgi Eygi during a protest against an illegal settlement in the occupied West Bank, sparking fears about accountability from the U.S. government. The death of Eygi, a 26-year-old Seattle resident, adds to a list of Palestinian Americans killed in similar circumstances, with little to no adequate response from U.S. officials. The killing of Eygi follows a pattern of violence towards American citizens who support Palestinian rights. Lara Friedman, President of the Foundation for Middle East Peace, highlighted the lack of accountability in…

Read More
USA

Columbia University kicked off its school year with controversy as two students were arrested by NYPD officers during a pro-Palestine demonstration near the campus. The rally, organized by students calling for the school to divest from companies linked to Israel, led to the arrest of two 21-year-old protesters. The arrested protesters were part of Columbia University Apartheid Divest, which had previously negotiated with administrators regarding divestment and boycotts. The demonstration turned chaotic as NYPD officers clashed with students, leading to allegations of excessive force. The incident highlighted tensions around free speech and protest on campus. Separately, a group of students…

Read More
USA

During a 2022 trip to the West Bank, Yara Asi, a professor at the University of Central Florida, recalled the military siege she experienced in Nablus. The siege resulted in the deaths of 23 Palestinians, with more than 150 killed in that year alone. Recent raids and airstrikes by Israel in the West Bank have escalated, claiming the lives of at least 20 Palestinians in just three days. The U.S. has supported Israel’s actions, despite violations of international law. The ongoing attacks by Israel have raised concerns about the future of Palestine, with fears of ethnic cleansing and annexation of…

Read More
USA

Across recent years, the West Bank has faced escalating violence and military attacks by Israel, leading to a rising death toll among Palestinians. From numerous airstrikes to military raids that have left families torn apart, the region has been engulfed in devastation and fear. Yara Asi, a professor at the University of Central Florida and member of Al-Shabaka, recalled the tragic moments during her trip to Nablus, where she witnessed the impact of military sieges and raids on civilians. With hundreds of lives lost and infrastructure destroyed, the West Bank has become a battleground for control and dominance. As Israel…

Read More
USA

A New Hope: Kamala Harris’s Stance on Israel As President Joe Biden stepped aside and endorsed Kamala Harris, the public hoped for a shift in policy towards Israel. Harris, alongside running mate Gov. Tim Walz, reiterated their commitment to Israel’s defense despite calls for a change in stance. During an interview with CNN, Harris remained steadfast in her support for Israel, emphasizing the need to protect the country while acknowledging the suffering of Palestinians. Despite pressure from within her party, Harris maintained her position on military aid to Israel, drawing criticism from those advocating for an arms embargo based on…

Read More
USA

Protesters Injured and Arrested at DNC for Demonstrating Against Israel’s War on Gaza Activists arrested protesting Israel’s war on Gaza outside the Democratic National Convention reported injuries from police violence and lack of access to attorneys or medication while in custody. The protest led to the arrest of 13 individuals, mostly participating in a permitted march protesting at the event. The charges filed against the protesters are largely misdemeanors, including criminal trespass and property damage. Despite Chicago Police Superintendent praising his officers for “great restraint,” two protesters ended up hospitalized due to injuries sustained during their arrest. The arrests have…

Read More
USA

Israel’s Secret Military Prison in the Negev Desert: Unveiling the Horrors Hidden away in the Negev desert, Sde Teiman, an Israeli military prison, came under scrutiny during Israel’s war on Gaza. Reports from whistleblowers revealed the brutal treatment of Palestinian detainees inside the prison, including extreme acts of violence and neglect resulting in deaths. Media investigations exposed shocking details of the conditions inside Sde Teiman, earning it the title of “Israel’s Guantánamo Bay.” Human rights attorney Roni Pelli took legal action to close the prison, citing extreme abuses. Despite mounting evidence, the U.S. response was limited, sparking calls for accountability.…

Read More
USA

McDonald’s and Starbucks Sales Plummet Amidst Boycotts Over Gaza Conflict Both McDonald’s and Starbucks recently reported declines in sales and profits, attributing part of the downturn to boycotts by supporters of Palestine during the conflict in Gaza. McDonald’s saw its global sales drop for the first time since 2020, with net profits falling by 12%. Similarly, Starbucks announced a decline in sales in North American and international stores, with total international profits dropping by 23%. While currency fluctuations and market slowdown are cited as contributing factors, both CEOs acknowledged the conflict in Gaza as a challenge for their businesses. The…

Read More